2008 NHL Draft: John Carlson

to the 2008 draft, Flordiapanthers.com will be highlighting some of the top prospects to look out for. Could the Panthers draft one of these players with their pick in the second round or might they move up to grab one of these top players to further bolster their system and hope they contribute to the big club one day?

Each week day, we'll take a look at three prospects and get Panthers Director of Amateur Scouting Scott Luce's opinion on each of them.

Finished third overall in first season in USHL in scoring by defenseman with 37 points (28 assists). Selected USHL All-Star Game and was named Nov. 5 USHL Defensive Player of the Week. Assistant team captain of Team USA for the 2007 Under-18 Ivan Hlinka Tournament in Slovakia and Czech Republic. Patterns game after Scott Stevens. Will attend University of Massachusetts-Amherst in the fall.

WHAT CENTRAL SCOUTING SAYS

Big, burly defenseman who’s a good, strong skater. Runs power-play from the top of the umbrella and has a heavy shot. Self-assured. A boy in a man’s body and very strong. Has all the tools – size, skill, physical presence and charisma.WHAT PANTHER SCOUT SCOTT LUCE SAYS